After the bride decides what to wear on her big day, her choice is forever immortalized in pictures – for better or for worse.  In the movies, the costume designer decides; Monica Corcoran Harel chronicles famous movie brides and their gowns in an article for the New York Times – “What Will Bella Wear”  – in anticipation of the big-screen bridal scene from the Twilight series.

On Screen Wedding Gown Pictures include: Julia Roberts with white gown flowing behind her as she rides off in a horse in “Runaway Bride”; Sarah Jessica Parker, outfitted in New York chic for “Sex and the City”; Elizabeth Taylor, demurely virginal in her long-sleeved, high-collared gown for “Father of the Bride”; and Grace Kelly, looking cool and regal in “High Society.”

That was the movies.  What did they wear at their own weddings?  Most wore traditional garb, but Sarah Jessica Parker wore black.

Two books with the same title offer pictures and some historical perspective: former fashion editor at Bride magazine, Maria McBride-Mellinger’s The Wedding Dress, and Oleg Cassini’s new book – The Wedding Dress.